Published: Thu, Nov. 01, 2007 12:30AM

Modified Thu, Nov. 01, 2007 12:18PM

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Belief in the law

People who knew him best say Baker had a strong sense of community and an unwavering belief in the law, tempered by a strong belief that those who broke the law often deserved understanding.

"He felt that his job as sheriff was to do as the law required," said Robinson, his pastor. "But in the same sense he felt that people in trouble needed to be treated as human beings."

In 1997, Baker proposed and helped to open the county's first charter school in jail. The school closed last year for failing to maintain accurate enrollment and financial records. The closing angered Baker, who accused his successor, Donnie Harrison, of not doing enough to keep the school operating.

Baker's interest in the plight of troubled children extended beyond law enforcement. He was a founding member of the Harriet Webster Task Force, formed in 1999 with the goal of closing the achievement gap between white students and students of color.

"The thing that I remember the most was his wanting all children to be successful," said Rosa Gill, chairwoman of the Wake County school board. "He would do anything possible to help kids understand the importance of having a basic education."

Baker is survived by his wife, Juanita H. Baker; son, John H. Baker III; daughter, Jonnita Baker; and four grandchildren.

Boone, his college teammate, said someone like Baker comes around about once a century.

"We have lost a tremendous human being; his character, his values, his commitment is very difficult to replace," said Boone, who had his own integration struggle as head coach at T.C. WIlliams High School in Alexandria. He said Raleigh and Wake County have "lost a symbol of social revolution ... a great friend and a great example of what you should be."

When Baker was elected in 1978, fellow Democrats accounted for three of every four registered Wake voters. He lost to Harrison, a Republican, in 2002, when Republicans pulled off a near sweep of countywide races.

At age 71, Baker challenged Harrison again in 2006 and was defeated.

On Wednesday, Harrison ordered the flag at the Wake County Sheriff's Office training center on Garner Road lowered to half staff, and his officers will wear black patches on their badges.

"John Baker will always be sheriff," Harrison said.

(News researchers Becky Ogburn and Lamara Williams-Hackett contributed to this report.)